March 12, 2019 Are eggs an option for people with type 2 diabetes?

Sponsored content provided by Egg Farmers of Canada

Protein-rich foods like eggs can play an important role in regulating blood sugar levels for people with diabetes. Plus, eggs contain many essential vitamins and minerals, and have just 80 calories each. They also contain the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which help reduce the risk of developing cataracts and other eye diseases.

Years ago, research finally ended the idea that dietary cholesterol in eggs raised blood cholesterol levels. But one debate remained open: How many eggs can be safely consumed if you have type 2 diabetes?

In a 2018 study, Australian researchers set out to determine how many eggs to recommend for people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, taking their blood sugar, cholesterol levels and weight into account. The researchers tested two diets: a high-egg diet (12 or more eggs per week) and a low-egg diet (less than two eggs per week). They found that eating 12 eggs per week had no adverse effects on body weight, cholesterol level, blood sugar level or glycated hemoglobin (or A1C, which measures blood sugar levels over a few months).  

In another study also published in 2018, researchers in the U.S. randomly assigned participants with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes to receive either one egg per day, or an equivalent amount of egg substitute over 12 weeks. They found that the participants eating eggs had better fasting blood glucose levels, with no changes in cholesterol levels.

These two newer studies add merit to the landmark review published in 2017 in the Canadian Journal of Diabetes, in which researchers reviewed 10 studies on egg intake for people with diabetes. They found that eating six to 12 eggs per week had no impact on cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting glucose or insulin levels for people with diabetes.

It’s important to note that all of these studies include eggs as part of a healthy and nutritious diet filled with vegetables, fruit, whole grains, healthy fats and lean protein. Yup – that means you can’t just add eggs to an unhealthy diet and assume you will have balanced blood sugars and healthy cholesterol levels. It’s the whole diet that matters more than any one food!

Ready to get cracking? Try one of these delicious recipes that incorporate nutritious whole foods, including eggs!

• Healthy kale and egg wrap
• Breakfast power bowl
• Individual veggie frittatas

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the sponsor, and do not necessarily reflect those of Diabetes Canada.